Guide Dogs for the Blind not only supports our community but also visually impaired people around the world. Many people do not see the true lengths it takes to train a guide dog. It takes commitment, persistence, and compassion to put time and effort into this program. Many people have joined our local Nevada County Community Club, but they all had different reasons and passions for doing so.
Sharon Costantino, leader of Guide Dogs for the Blind Grass Valley, CA Puppy Raisers states,
“I am a volunteer because I believe that if a person is able, they should give back to their community in a positive way. I am a GDB volunteer because I am capable of making a difference in the lives of others, both raisers and clients alike. Plus, I get to work with puppies!”
Katherin Helvin, Junior and member states her reasons for being a part of this program as well,
“I got involved with Guide Dogs to do something for the community. I am raising because I know that it will go to a good cause and help someone who is visually impaired.”
Jennifer Weir, AP Biology, chemistry, and biology tecaher, shares her reason as well for joining this community club, involving her daughters curiousness in the program itself and what it could do for her highschool transcripts. Weir and her daughter because of GBD have a connection for life with the experiences they loved throughout the years together in the program.
“My daughter, Abby joined the Guide Dog program here at Bear River when it was part of the FFA program. She joined in 2016. As her parent, I joined the community, too. The rest is history!”
These community club members all have put their heart and strength into this program, some have spent many years and have trained many dogs to make a difference in the world. This shows their dedication and love for the purpose of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Costantino has spent 7 years helping others be a part of the cause to make a difference, and raising dogs herself.
Weir has been a part of the program since 2017! This type of dedication is an inspiration to other students around the community looking for an enriching and helpful experience to put on future college applications. This program isn’t just for the community, it's also a learning experience for trainers, babysitters, and raisers.
Costantino states the message she has learned the most from this experience, “By being a GDB volunteer, I have learned the importance behind the saying, ‘It takes a village.’ There are over 2,000 volunteers in the puppy raising program alone.”
Helvin shares with us what this program has done for her as well, giving her life long paths back to the program and all its taught her throughout her time there.
“Guide dogs has helped me with learning new things, being collaborative and meeting new people. It has also taught me how to socialize and make new friends.”
The Guide Dogs for the Blind program is a crucial program that is desperately needed to change lives across the world. The main purpose of this is to help the visually impaired, but without even knowing walking into the first meeting becomes an enriching experience for you to learn and grow from! This program is an important experience and is what everyone in this community has shared.
Constantino shares the importance of Guide Dogs For The Blind, and how its embarks passion throughout the people in the program and helps change lives around the world.
“The Guide Dogs for The Blind program empowers people who are blind or visually-impaired to live the life that they want to live. It allows people to safely move through their community with confidence. An added benefit is that the guide dog can offer partnership—unconditional love, companionship, and comfort to its owner.”
Weir shares with us a different side of the importance from this program,
“The program is a lot of work but you learn so much about dog behavior and training. That knowledge pays off with your own future pets. The program also requires support from your family members and is a great family bonding activity. Of course, it also is a philanthropic endeavor so while I am benefiting from the program, I am also helping others which is very important to me.”
Now you the reader are probably wondering why you should even think to join this program, meaning I the writer haven't convinced you quite enough yet. So with all the importance, and all the enrichment you gain, there are memories, special memories you will also make through this program. So enjoy the stories some of the participants of the program shared.
Constantino shares with us the best part about this program and the memories its given the many who have been lucky to experience the enrchmet Guide Dgs for the Blind has given.
“The absolute best part of being a raiser is watching the puppy you helped raise become a confident guide dog, who leads their handler with skill and dedication. As a raiser, when the dog you raised graduates, you are the one to present the guide dog to the client. In that moment, you know you’ve been a huge part of changing a life for the better (and so does the dog).”
Weir shares with us a special memory of a previous dog she raised, thats forever changed her mindset on the program and what her actual commitments to the program she has.
“My favorite memory is Link's graduation, when we got to see the joy and appreciation from the client who he is matched with and currently works within Arizona.”
Guide Dogs for the Blind meets every Thursday in different schools around the community. We have met at Goddodi, Nevada Union, and Bear River High, but they also will go on little adventures near the fairgrounds or in downtown Grass Valley. If after reading this you think this is a program you are interested in, go talk to Weir! She will put you in the right direction to joining the club.